OCN 480/GEO 592: Landscapes of Belize
Learn more at www.uncw.edu/international
S H O R T - T E R M
SPRING
Program Overview
f a c u lt y - l e d
Participate in an in-depth exploration of Belize’s physical setting, history, and culture through an analysis of its literature and an
exploration of its landscapes along the Sibun River Valley, from the Maya Mountains through the pine savanna to the Caribbean
Reef system. Experience ancient Mayan sites, modern Creole culture, Central American geology, oceanography at the world’s
second largest barrier reef system, and cutting-edge environmental protection, eco-tourism, sustainable land use, and best
management practices.
Academics
This is a 3-credit course offered as OCN 480 and GEO 592. The geography, geology, and oceanography of Belize will be examined
once a week at UNCW prior to the Spring Break trip (March 3-11, 2017) to Belize. Classes will be held following the trip as
needed for wrap-up. UNCW course meeting time is TBA and will be determined based on student schedules.
Program Facts
Location.......................... Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize
Tentative Program Dates..................................Mar. 3 - 11, 2017
UNCW spring classes: Jan. - May 2017
Program Leader(s):
Dr. Andrea Hawke - [email protected]
Application
Application Deadline: November 18, 2016
• To apply, log in at: https://itsappserv02.uncw.edu/
intprogapp/ and select your program of choice
• A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at time of
application
Eligibility
Students are eligible to apply for this program if they meet
the following eligibility criteria:
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A valid passport
Degree-seeking student
Sophomore standing by Spring 2017
Good judicial standing
2.50+ GPA at time of application
Instructor approval
Location
Belize is a small, English-speaking country of great environmental and cultural diversity situated on the Caribbean coast of
Central America. A PASSPORT IS REQUIRED! After preparation at UNCW, our Belize visit will include sites of environmental and
cultural interest in the Maya Mountains, such as ancient Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech, the modern Mayan village of San Ignacio
Town, the Mountain Pine Ridge station for the geological and hydrological headwater of the Sibun system, and Monkey Bay
Wildlife Sanctuary where we will canoe on the Sibun River, and explore the vegetation in the tropical savanna. We’ll also have
a private tour of Belize’s National Zoo, visit Dangriga Town on the way to the coast, and spend the last three days on Tobacco
Caye, 12 miles offshore, for snorkeling and study of the marine environment on the western hemisphere’s largest reef system.
Program Activities & Features
Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary will be our host at three sites: the western Maya Mountains, the central tropical savanna, and
Tobacco Caye in the Caribbean. Studies will include environment, oceanography, geology, land use, and people as we follow the
Sibun River watershed from the mountains to the sea. Activities include canoeing along the Sibun River, a visit to the Cahal Pech
Mayan ruin, spelunking through limestone caves, and snorkeling the outer and inner reef system.
Estimated Program Fee: $2,000*
Program Fee Includes:
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Medical insurance
All lodging in Belize
Three meals a day
All travel (bus and boat) in Belize
All entry fees
Canoe, caving, and snorkel gear
Lecturers and guides
Additional Costs:
(not included in program fee)
• Round trip flight from Wilmington
to Belize City ~$750.00 (subject to
increase)
• Belize Departure tax: $40
• Required books (~$20)
• Personal spending money
• SCUBA or deep-sea fishing excursion at
Tobacco Caye
Federal and state financial aid may be applied toward this program. Even if you are normally
ineligible for financial aid, you should submit a financial aid application (FAFSA). You may find
that you are eligible for additional funding.
*Program cost subject to decrease
with student participation
UNCW students may also apply for a UNCW Education Abroad Grant and additional
study abroad scholarships. Grant applications and additional information are available at:
www.uncw.edu/international/abroad/aid.html
Office of International Programs | 118 Friday Annex | UNC Wilmington | 601 South College Rd. | Wilmington, NC 28403-5965 | 910.962.3685 | [email protected]